Honolulu City Councilman Gary Okino, a fiscal and social conservative, plans to challenge liberal state House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro of 'Aiea next year in the Democratic primary in state House District 33.

Okino was among the most prominent opponents of a civil unions bill before the state Legislature last session, warning lawmakers of serious consequences if they failed to follow what he described as God's word. Oshiro was the bill's sponsor and considered civil unions a significant step toward equality.

Okino and Oshiro also differed in the past over a bill that would have allowed terminally ill adults to obtain a lethal prescription to end their lives.

"I'm pretty much inclined to do it. I think the decision has been made," Okino said yesterday about his campaign. "I still think I can be very useful in government, to kind of bring a righteous point of view, and with my government experience I know I can really help the situation."

Oshiro said he and Okino have worked together on community issues but are clearly divided on social policy.

"I think it's surprising in some respects but, given our history, not entirely surprising because of our opposition on many progressive pieces of legislation," Oshiro said.

Okino and Oshiro both said they hope the primary campaign will involve issues beyond civil unions. But the civil unions bill remains a sensitive subject among party activists after the bill stalled in the state Senate last session.

Last month, the party's state central committee voted to uphold a reprimand against state Sen. Mike Gabbard, D-19th (Kapolei, Makakilo, Waikele), for actively organizing against the bill and the party's platform plank on equality and civil rights.

Okino acknowledged that some of his stands on social issues are contrary to the party's platform. "But I'm a Democrat," he said. "It is the people's party, right?"

The civil unions bill is alive for the next session, which starts in January, although some Democrats have said privately that it may be even more difficult to advance the bill in an election year.

"This race will be a lot more than one issue. It will be about who can more effectively represent the district," said Brian Schatz, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i. "There's no doubt the economy, the state budget and public education will be the top-of-mind issues for the voters."

Okino, a former city planner, has represented the Moanalua, Halawa, 'Aiea and Pearl City district on the council since 2000. The former council chairman now leads the council's transportation committee and has been a strong believer in the city's multibillion-dollar rail project. He is barred by term limits from seeking re-election.

Oshiro, an attorney, has represented House District 33 ('Aiea, Halawa Valley, 'Aiea Heights) since 2000. He was chosen majority leader, an influential position in House leadership, last year and is responsible for directing the Democrats' 45-member caucus.

"I think the community definitely will be looking at more than just one or two issues, especially given the economy and the needs in the community for education and infrastructure," he said.